Better health and ageing for all Australians

Working in aged care

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care workers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in aged care have the same access as all other Australians to the aged care workforce education and training opportunities.

Building the capacity of the Indigenous health workforce

This page provides links to information about workforce programs being developed and implemented that will contribute to building the capacity of the Indigenous health workforce. Programs that, directly or indirectly, support the increased capacity of the Indigenous health workforce include directly supporting the increase in the workforce numbers; education and training programs; scholarships and traineeships, health professional placements (work experience), and curriculum development.

Through the Department of Health and Ageing and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations action is being taken to increase the capacity of the Indigenous health workforce, including the aged care workforce through Targeted Employment and Training in the VET Sector http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/work-atsihwp

Indigenous Remote Service Delivery (IRSD) traineeships— National Partnership on Indigenous Economic Participation

Up to 80 traineeships are offered annually in business management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in aged and primary health care facilities.

Funding rounds are advertised in the media nationally. Information, including application guidelines, is provided for each round at www.health.gov.au by clicking on the Tender and Grants link.

For more information, email IRSDTraineeships@health.gov.au.

Culturally appropriate and targeted training for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care workers who are employed in eligible aged care services

  • Four NT based Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have been funded to deliver culturally appropriate, skills based aged care training, on-site in 59 communities across the NT and two communities in Western Australia.
  • Four Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have been engaged by the department to deliver aged care training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care workers in rural and remote locations, to June 2012.
Training provides access to skill development in work readiness and aged care that will support people in effectively carrying out their roles and developing further skills and experience that will provide ongoing employment opportunities.

The relevant Registered Training Organisation contacts eligible service providers and provides the necessary details.

Service Development Assistance Panel

Eligible aged care services can also access the Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP) a service available to Australian Government funded aged care organisations providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and/or organisations operating in remote areas. This service offers a panel of experts who will work with service providers to improve key areas of the business.

To find out more about the SDAP: view the SDAP website for information, benefits, eligibility etc or email any queries or concerns directly to the department on SDAP@health.gov.au.

Related links